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Boston College goaltender Thatcher Demko will forgo his senior season and sign with the Vancouver Canucks, according to a tweet and subsequent post from the BC Hockey Blog.
Multiple sources indicating tonight that Thatcher Demko will sign with Vancouver.
— BC Hockey Blog (@bchockeyblog1) April 20, 2016
The San Diego, Calif. native was a second round draft pick of the Canucks in the 2014 NHL Draft. Demko just completed his third and best season in an Eagles uniform. He won the Mike Richter Award, given to college hockey's top goaltender, and was a Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist.
Demko had a .935 save percentage while blanking opponents in 10 games, setting the single season school record for shutouts. The mark was previously held by New Jersey Devils backstop Cory Schneider.
Demko has prototypical pro size at six-foot-four and is extremely athletic. A butterfly goaltender, he likes to challenge shooters at the top of the crease and does a good job squaring up. He has good footwork and quick feet.
Demko's departure is just the latest in a series of underclassmen bolting for the pro ranks. Fellow juniors Steve Santini and Adam Gilmour signed with the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild, respectively. Sophomore Alex Tuch signed with the Wild and freshman Miles Wood was scooped up by the Devils.
Florida Panthers prospect Ian McCoshen, one of the top defensemen in college hockey, is considered a serious flight risk, but he has yet to sign. The junior and 2013 second round pick is a pro-ready blue liner who had a great season. Despite being a first round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2015, Colin White is expected to return for his sophomore season.